BATON ROUGE – The No. 3 LSU gymnastics team, the defending Southeastern Conference champions, will open the 2018 season against No. 19 Arkansas Friday inside the Maravich Center.
First vault for the Tigers and Razorbacks is set for 7:25 p.m. CT, and the meet will be televised live on the SEC Network with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. The Network will air all of the pre-meet activities, including both team introductions, the new hype video, and four banner drops. John Roethlisberger and Alicia Sacramone Quinn will have the call in the first SEC meet of the season.
The ‘Dean of SEC Coaches’, D-D Breaux enters her 41st season at the helm. A year ago, Breaux was honored as the SEC, Central Region and National Coach of the Year following the Tigers’ 34-2 record, sweep of the SEC and NCAA National Runner-Up finish.
Breaux Previews the Season
“It is really exciting to start year number 41,” Breaux said. “Everything about the program the university is good. There is so much enthusiasm showed to our program, which is really gratifying. We have a lot of expectations for the season, and I am excited to how this team responds on Friday night.
Meet Promotions
The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a 2018 LSU gymnastics schedule magnet. There will also be gold pom poms on all reserved seats inside the PMAC. David St. Romain will also be on hand to sing the national anthem.
Arrive Early | Parking Map
Record crowds are anticipated for the opening meet of the season tomorrow. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and purchase tickets in advance online at www.LSUtix.net to avoid long lines. Many lots around the Maravich Center are free and open to the public, including 101, 104 and 105. North Stadium Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 5 p.m. Lot 201 and 300 off of North stadium Drive will be reserved.
Geaux Clear | Details
Fans are also reminded of LSU’s “Geaux Clear” policy that is in effect at all athletic venues. The policy allows for only clear tote bags smaller than 12” x 6” x 12” or one-gallon plastic freezer bags to be permitted. Bags must be clear and transparent and cannot be tinted, textured or patterned. For full details on the policy, please visit www.LSUSports.net/GeauxClear.
Series Record Between Arkansas and LSU
LSU is 30-5-1 all-time against Arkansas, including 6-1 inside the Maravich Center. The Tigers defeated the Razorbacks, 197.700-196.325, last year in Fayetteville. LSU also deafeated Arkansas after finishing first at the SEC Championship in March.
Home Win Streak Continues to Climb
LSU has gone unbeaten at home in the last four seasons as the Tigers went 11-0 in 2014, 5-0 in 2015, 5-0 in 2016 and 7-0 in 2017.
LSU Returns Strong Routines from 2017
The squad will return five All-Americans, five All-SEC performers and a pair of SEC Champions from a year ago. With 15 of 24 routines coming back from the Super Six a year ago, the Tigers will rely on a strong freshman class and outstanding returners who will get a shot in the lineup.
Fans can follow the Tigers on the team’s social media channels: @LSUgym on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, www.Facebook.com/lsugym and at YouTube.com/lsugymnastics.